Kwik Star to open Newton location in spring

A grocery store-style Kwik Star convenience store is set to open in Newton next spring at the former Lauterbach Buick GMC dealership location.

Construction will begin as soon as possible, starting with demolishing the building at 1910 First Ave. E., according to Kwik Star Director of Real Estate Hans Zietlow.

The La Crosse, Wis.-based business is expecting it to take about three months to build a 7,000 square-foot building that will feature the convenience store's latest layout which includes a full-service bakery.

Zietlow said the Kwik Star in Newton will be looking to fill 25 to 30 positions with a third of those being full-time positions.

"The total annual income for those employees all together will be around $500,000," Zietlow said. "We take care of our employees here."

Zietlow said he expects the building to be a great addition to Newton and to the east side of town.

"I've visited Newton a few times, and I think Kwik Star will really add to the city," Zietlow said. "We are excited to come to Newton."

The building was up for grabs after Lauterbach Buick GMC moved out of the space and down the street to 2900 First Ave. E. in October. According to Birkenholz Realty in Newton, the closing on the sale of the former dealership property was Tuesday with a sell price of $415,000.

Newton Economic Development Specialist Craig Armstrong said the city hasn't received documentation yet for a layout or plan of the space. Once its received, the city's director of Planning and Zoning, Erin Chambers, will review it for approval.

Contact Kayla Langmaid at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or klangmaid@newtondailynews.com